From the category archives:
Consumerist has pointed out a discussion on ComplainsBoard about Cash4Gold, an outfit that promises top dollar for trading in your gold jewelery. With the tight economy and gold prices relatively high, many consumers will find this a good deal. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to get the true value for your traded in items. ... Continue reading this article…
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Citigroup released a report today explaining how it “spent” the $45 billion provided to the company by the government as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). On a high level, the report accounts for $46.5 billion spent or allocated to a variety of programs across five categories: residential mortgages, personal and business ... Continue reading this article…
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After a lackluster holiday season for the retail industry, one particular niche has seen good news recently. Sales of merchandise related to Barack Obama have been strong. Amazon.com has created an Inauguration Store to feature a number of presidential products available for sale. This is the most consumerized election in recent memory, but it’s understandable. A ... Continue reading this article…
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On December 22, a representative for Visa wrote about that company’s protection for customers who use debit cards: If your account is compromised, Visa is committed to setting things right without further aggravation or inconvenience to you. Visa’s cardholder protection policy requires all financial institutions issuing Visa products to extend provisional credit for losses from unauthorized ... Continue reading this article…
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The CEOs of Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler are heading to Washington, D.C. today for the second time to plead for government assistance. The first trip resulted in public relations faux pas. They flew to Congress on private corporate jets, spending much more company money than necessary. This brings to mind the image ... Continue reading this article…
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When the doors opened early for Black Friday sales at a Wal-Mart store on Long Island, the frenzied shoppers stormed in, determined to be the first to grab the bargains before they were depleted. The maniacs trampled the unfortunate Wal-Mart worker whose job was to open the door. The shoppers continued to run in, ... Continue reading this article…
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About the author: This is a guest post by Carson Brackney, writer for Personal Finance Analyst. Personal Finance Analyst is an online community of bloggers dedicated to taking the mystery out of money and helping you to live a happier, more successful life with the money you have. In the wake of 9/11, President Bush encouraged ... Continue reading this article…
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For those in the United States, tradition and media influence have established today as a day for spending time with family, over-eating, and watching television. What could be more American than Thanksgiving Day? Fast becoming a tradition for consumers is Black Friday (and to a lesser extent Cyber Monday). Retailers have discovered a tendency ... Continue reading this article…
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About the author: Matt Wallaert is a behavioral psychologist and the Lead Scientist at Thrive, a free financial advisory website that helps people organize their finances and plan for the future with personalized feedback from its behavioral advisory engine. Twenty six and addicted to buying suits at Goodwill and geeking out on psychology, he ... Continue reading this article…
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Should American taxpayers bail out the automobile industry? Automakers headquartered in the U.S. have failed to make products consumers wanted to buy, whether due to a lack of quality, lack of targeting, or a lack of convincing marketing. Democrats in the Congress want to extend $25 billion of the $700 billion bailout bill ... Continue reading this article…
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I originally posted this article in January 2008. As February 17, 2009 draws closer, I am still dismayed by the misinformation being spread by television manufacturers, cable operators, retail salespeople, and coworkers. Please pass this information to anyone who has the wrong idea about the switch to digital-only over-the-air broadcasts. Whenever the subject turns to ... Continue reading this article…
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Earlier this year, I upgraded my only phone — I have no need for a land line — to a BlackBerry 8830 on Verizon Wireless. Now I receive my important email (in addition to some junk mail) where ever I happen to be. I accepted the fact that I would be paying for this ... Continue reading this article…
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Every so often, I present a question to Twitter to get a feel for opinions and ideas of Consumerism Commentary fans, readers, and friends. Yesterday, I asked whether you plan on spending more or less this holiday season than you did last year on gifts and other holiday expenses. With a troubling economy ... Continue reading this article…
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It must be a sign of the times. This year I’ve seen at least one commercial advertising a retailer’s layaway plan. These have been out of style for at least as long as I’ve been an adult consumer. The theory is that rather than paying up front for a large item, a Christmas ... Continue reading this article…
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Four months ago, I purchased a Hoover SteamVac and used the device to clean the carpets in my apartment. I was impressed then. In order to prepare for some company this coming weekend, I cleaned the carpets again this past weekend. The results were just as great. I have a cat, and even ... Continue reading this article…
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If you have any Linens ‘n Things gift cards sitting in a drawer or collecting dust on top of an old desk in your loft, use it now while you still can. The store is going out of business nationally and will be closing its doors at all locations. From the signs I’ve seen, hoisted ... Continue reading this article…
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About a year ago, I purchased a high definition television and began upgrading my in-home entertainment experience. I don’t regret it at all. When I purchased the TV, I moved my old 26-inch cathode ray tube (CRT) television to the bedroom. The old TV is a monster. It remained on the floor in the ... Continue reading this article…
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Clark Schinger owns a gas station. Like an increasing number of gas station owners, he is charging his customers who use credit cards a surcharge for every gas purchase. Effectively, there are two tiers of prices: one for customers who use credit cards and one for those who use cash. This is apparently not ... Continue reading this article…
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While staying in Queens, New York a week ago, I discovered on Sunday that my car had been broken into. Some time between Friday night and Sunday morning, someone broke the front passenger side window and pulled out my car radio and a few other items I had left hidden in the car. ... Continue reading this article…
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As I mentioned earlier, Consumer Reports makes it sound easy for the average family to find $500 a month in saved expenses. Scott Burns calls this the “power of attentive spending.” Pay attention to the little details and you can end the year with $6,000 more in your pocket than you would have ... Continue reading this article…
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